DIFFERENT Diturupa cultural groups entertained the residents of Makapanstad and surrounding areas in the North West on Tuesday, 26 December.
The annual Diturupa Cultural Festival has been celebrated for more than 100 years in Makapanstad.
Harry Tladi from Matla A Sechaba Community Trust, the organisers of the event, said after the first World War, the soldiers who were part of the war from the community marched to the local chief to showcase their experiences in the war.
"We've inherited it as a culture. This is a way of life to us. We keep young people away from the streets," he said.
He said that during festive holidays, the children practise and showcase their dance and singing talents.
"We're very happy because we're remembering our old soldiers who fought in the World War," he said.
He said in their community all the soldiers who were part of the war had since died.
Harry told Daily Sun that they're a generation that saw the soldiers and they told them about the experiences.
"We are also honouring our chief, Chief Makapan by doing these performances. This is a special event for our community," he said.
Thabo Nkuna, the leader of Thari Entsho Tribal Troop, said they have been part of the festival since 2019.
"This festival keeps the children away from the streets. It instils discipline and respect in their lives. All the children are happy to be part of the event," he said.
Thabo said seeing the children smiling gives him happiness.
Resident Anam Mtwa said: "This event shows where we come from, and it's a great initiative to restore our culture."
Moretele municipal spokesman Mothupi Malebye said they partnered with the cultural festival.
"It's important because it's a cultural event that improves the lives of community. It helps to keep children away from the streets," he said.
He said it also helps hawkers to make money on the day.
He said 18 troopers participated in the annual event, including groups such as Rolling Kids, Sefika Ntswe, and Arcadia Cultural groups. He said the winners walked away with a trophy each and vouchers, adding that all the participants received vouchers.
